Michelle Cerino’s been busy lately, trying out items that promised to keep her cool on a hot range.
She Shoots 2 is sponsored by Galco Gunleather.
There’s the old saying, ‘Women don’t sweat, they glisten.”Well, not me, I admit, when it’s hot, I sweat like a hog. Unfortunately, as the temperatures begin to rise, my training and competition season gets into full swing. To keep my head in the game, I constantly search for ways to keep my body cool. As usual my research begins on the Internet, this time in search of cooling products and clothing. I received the following items to evaluate and used them on days when temperatures hovered around 85 degrees with 80% humidity.
When it’s hot outside, Polar Products bucket hat and cooling scarf are a must. (Chris Cerino photo)
This 30-year-old, family-run company in Ohio offers many types of body cooling products. Some designed for the medical community cross over to the outdoor enthusiast.
No matter what your activity is, as your core temperature increases, your performance declines.
The Baseball Cap with Cool Comfort® Insert is available in blue, black, khaki and pink. The Cool Comfort®insert contains water-absorbing crystals. Once saturated, they provide hours cooling as they evaporate. One day, I even placed it in the freezer to increase the cooling time.
MSRP: $16
The Bucket Hat with Cool Comfort® Insert comes in blue and khaki. This brimmed hat, besides keeping me cool, also offered great protection from the sun.
MSRP: $16
I wore the Cool58™ Fashion Vest during lunch after a hot morning on the range. It brought my body temperature down, helping me to regain the proper state of mind for an afternoon of teaching. The vests come with 5 Cool58™packs that provide cooling for 2-3 hours. The vest comes in several colors.
MSRP: $165
2. O2Cool
Staying hydrated is essential in the heat since water is a maintainer of body temperature. It carries heat away from your internal organs through your bloodstream, causing sweat. As the sweat evaporates, your body begins to cool. The O2COOL company sells a variety of products for staying cool and hydrated.
(Chris Cerino photo)
Mist ’N Sip® Bottles combine misting and drinking water. Not only do I have an insulated bottle for my drinking water, I can also use it to mist myself. There’s nothing like cooling down on my outside while hydrating my inside. There are a variety of colors and sizes to choose from.
MSRP: $10 to $25
Misting Fans spray a fine mist of water while the blades spin. They range in size from the Carabiner Misting Fan to a Portable Tower Misting Fan. Some are activated by squeezing, while others have batteries and even an AC adapter. These powerful fans mist and speed the evaporation process leaving my skin cooler to the touch. Yes, when there is no breeze, these fans are great to have on hand.
MSRP: $8 to $50
3. Frogg Toggs
When I’m outdoors and have access to water I bring along my Frogg Toggs. The various products are made from a hyper-evaporative material that retains water while remaining dry to the touch. Like with other cooling items, the evaporation of the water provides a refreshing feeling. Once the cooling stops, I simply rewet it and within minutes it’s cool again.
Chilly Bean Cooling hat retails for $14.95
There are many Frogg Toggs’ items, including pads, wristbands, neckbands, headbands, hats and cooling towels that come in a variety of colors.
MSRP: $4.95 to $19.95
When it comes fabric, Columbia leads the pack with cooling technology. Omni-Freeze ZERO not only lowers the materials temperature, but also accelerates the wicking process.
Michelle models Freeze Degree shirt, paired with a Frogg Toggs cooling bandana and scarf. (Chris Cerino photo)
Women’s Freeze Degree™ lll Short Sleeve Shirt is available in a variety of colors. I love the comfort of the shirt and how it keeps me both cool and dry.
MSRP: $55
Freezer Zero™ Arm Sleeves work great no matter what shirt I’m wearing. They not only keep me cool, but also provide UPF 50. There are available in size S/M or L/XL with a variety of color choices from solid to multi colors.
MSRP: $30
Keeping cool on the range, whether competing or training is imperative to keeping my head in the game. Regardless of what type of outdoor activities you enjoy, find ways to remain safe by staying cool.
Michelle Cerino, aka Princess Gunslinger, first entered the firearms industry in 2011 as co-owner, president and trainer at a national training company. She immediately began competing in both 3-Gun and NRA Action Pistol, becoming a sponsored shooter. Michelle is currently a columnist and Managing Editor of Women’s Outdoor News, as well as owner of Pervenio LLC. She also manages social media for Vera Koo and FASTER Saves Lives. Michelle encourages others to step out of the comforts of home and explore. View all posts by Michelle Cerino
